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| In recent weeks, action was taken by our High Council to revoke the charters of two chapters in response to numerous violations of the Fraternity’s law and policies, including acts of hazing. One of these chapters was a recipient of the Fraternity’s Rock Chapter Award in 2006 and the High Council has since rescinded that distinction. Our Fraternity’s position is clear - those who haze will face consequences. Please read on to learn more about these revocations. . . |
Sigma Nu Revokes Two Charters
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 8, 2007
SIGMA NU FRATERNITY REVOKES TWO CHARTERS FOR
VIOLATIONS, INCLUDING HAZING |
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Lexington, Va. - Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., has revoked the charter of the Theta Iota Chapter at Middle Tennessee State University and the charter of the Kappa Nu Chapter at the University of Central Missouri. The revocation decisions, made by the Fraternity’s High Council (board of directors), followed confirmation of violations of the Fraternity’s laws, policies and principles primarily related to the treatment of candidate (pledged) members, according to Brad Beacham, Executive Director of Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc.
Additionally, in its decision-making, the Council rescinded the 2006 Rock Chapter Award given to the Theta Iota Chapter at Middle Tennessee State University.
"We deeply regret and are saddened by the loss of these chapters. However, Sigma Nu Fraternity will not tolerate misconduct that defies the Fraternity’s most basic values and principles," said Jay Pitts, the Fraternity’s Regent (national president) and chairman of the High Council.
The General Fraternity is hopeful that both the Theta Iota and Kappa Nu Chapters will be re-established in the near future and will once again offer a positive experience reflective of Sigma Nu’s mission to develop ethical leaders. "We will work with alumni and University leaders to plan for this future. Sigma Nu looks forward to being a positive, contributing member of both communities once again," said Beacham.
Headquartered in Lexington, Va., Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded in 1869 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington and currently has nearly 180 active chapters and colonies on college campuses throughout North America.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2007
Lexington, Va. - Sigma Nu Fraternity, Inc., would like to provide additional information regarding the revocation of the charter of the Theta Iota Chapter at Middle Tennessee State University.
Executive Director Brad Beacham reiterated that the decision to revoke the chapter’s charter, made by the Fraternity’s High Council (board of directors), followed an investigation by the Fraternity that found violations of the Fraternity’s laws, policies and principles. Beacham also noted that the Fraternity’s investigation was prompted by a report made to the Fraternity’s hazing "hotline" on November 7, 2006.
In keeping with its standard procedure in response to reports of misconduct, the Fraternity immediately responded to the report by contacting the Chapter Commander (president), alumni leaders and appropriate officials at Middle Tennessee State University to notify all parties of the report received and discuss the Fraternity’s plans for investigation.
Upon contacting the University, the Fraternity learned that the University had received a report similar to the one received by the Fraternity and that the University would also undertake an investigation.
"From the very beginning of, and throughout, the process, we have worked closely with University officials. We verbally shared full details of the findings of our investigation with University officials in an extensive teleconference at the end of November soon after the conclusion of the investigation. Prior to the decision being made, we apprised University officials of the Fraternity’s decision-making process and potential outcomes. In early January, we provided the University a follow-up written report of the investigation, its findings and the decision-making process," said Beacham
In making its decision, the Fraternity’s High Council carefully considered the findings of the investigation as well as the input and perspective of the University and alumni leaders.
Sigma Nu’s Regent (national president) John R. Pitts stated, "Sigma Nu Fraternity always seeks to work in partnership with host institutions and we did so in this matter. However, the Fraternity recognizes and respects that host institutions and the Fraternity are sovereign entities, bound to work within their own systems of jurisprudence - in response to chapter and/or student member misconduct - which may sometimes differ in both process and outcome. Our decision is in keeping with the Fraternity’s fundamental principles." Pitts added that he is hopeful that the Fraternity’s decision in this matter will be respected by the University. "We look forward to the day when Sigma Nu can be re-established at Middle Tennessee State University," said Pitts.
Headquartered in Lexington, Va., Sigma Nu Fraternity was founded in 1869 at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington and currently has nearly 180 active chapters and colonies on college campuses throughout North America.
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